Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being for people in aid

How can we create a thriving workplace culture in the humanitarian sector? 

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Leanne Marega, a pioneer in humanitarian workforce well-being and a founder of Thrive Worldwide. Leanne shares her journey from Interhealth Worldwide to founding Thrive Worldwide, emphasizing the critical role of culture in fostering thriving workplaces. You’ll hear about the importance of healthy boundaries, the challenges of leadership in times of crisis, and practical steps to create supportive work environments.

Leanne also opens up about her personal battle with cancer and how it influenced her perspective on well-being and leadership. Her story of hope and community support during a challenging time offers valuable insights for anyone facing similar struggles. 

Today’s Guest

Leanne Marega is Co-Founder and CEO for Thrive Worldwide bringing over 15 years experience in the wellbeing industry. Prior to Thrive, Leanne worked with InterHealth Worldwide for eight years, 4 of those years as Regional Director for Eastern Africa based in Kenya. Leanne is an entrepreneur with a heart to see people and organisations flourish. Leanne has a Masters from University of East London (UEL) in International Humanitarian Psychosocial Consultation. She is also a trained Coach from the Awaken Coach Institute. Leanne lives between the UK and Kenya with her husband. She thrives in community, going on long walks, cooking, baking and reading a good book.

Website: thrive-worldwide.org

Thrive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveworldwide/

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-marega-kennedy/

You’ll Learn

• What embodying change means on a personal and organizational level
• The journey from Interhealth Worldwide to Thrive Worldwide
• The importance of culture in supporting staff well-being
• Practical steps for creating healthy boundaries for thriving
• The role of leadership in fostering a supportive work environment
• Leanne's personal journey with cancer and how it reshaped her views on leadership and community

Resources Mentioned

• Thrive Worldwide’s Website: thrive-worldwide.org
• 2024 Burnout State of Workplace Report: gallup.com
• McKinsey on Organizational Health: mckinsey.com
• Deloitte’s Insights on Employee Well-being: deloitte.com
  
  

Quotes

• “Embodying change means it literally comes from the inside out.” – Leanne Marega
• “We need to look at the system and consider how leaders lead and managers manage to foster a thriving workplace.” – Leanne Marega
• “Transformation takes time and commitment, especially in the humanitarian sector.” – Leanne Marega

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.
• Visit thrive-worldwide.org to learn more about Thrive Worldwide and their work.
• Connect with Leanne Marega on LinkedIn for further insights and updates.

How can we create sustainable change within humanitarian and development organizations? 

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Mary Ann Clements, a pivotal figure in the history of this podcast and Co-CEO at an organisation working on  disability justice, ADD International. Mary Ann shares her journey from initiating Healing Solidarity to re-imagining an INGO to become a participatory grant maker. You’ll hear about the importance of embodying change, the challenges of reimagining institutions, and the role of power dynamics in achieving sustainable transformation. Stay tuned until the end for Mary Ann’s insights on creating environments that support well-being and resilience.

Today’s Guest

Mary Ann Clements is co-CEO at ADD International and the initiator of Healing Solidarity. With extensive experience in social justice and humanitarian work, Mary Ann is committed to fostering well-being and systemic change in the sector.

Website: maryannclements.com
Social Media: LinkedIn 

You’ll Learn

• What embodying change means and how it influences organizational culture
• The importance of well-being and resilience in creating sustainable change
• How Healing Solidarity started and evolved over time
• The challenges and benefits of collaborative leadership
• Insights into the participatory grant-making process at ADD International

Resources Mentioned

• Mary Ann Clements’ website: maryannclements.com
• ADD International: add.org.uk
• Healing Solidarity YouTube Channel
• "We can’t hashtag our way to change" by Mary Ann Clements in Alliance Magazine
• "Power does not shift easily" by Fredrick Ouko and Mary Ann Clements in Alliance Magazine
• The Working Well report on the CHS Alliance website
• Embodying Change podcasts featuring Mary Ann Clements as host:
  • Episode 5 with Dr. Peter Mills 
  • Episode 6 with Imogen Wall 
  • Episode 7 with Lana Baqaeen 
  • Episode 8 with Gemma Houldey
• The CHS Alliance Global Gathering 2021 - Living our values: Care, culture and power in aid - on YouTube 

Quotes

• “Embodying change means showing up with vulnerability and leaning into difficult conversations.” – Mary Ann Clements
• “Creating a supportive work environment requires us to recognize our power dynamics and work towards more inclusive and caring practices.” – Mary Ann Clements

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.
• Visit maryannclements.com to learn more about Mary Ann’s work and sign up for her newsletter.
• Engage with Healing Solidarity’s archived content on YouTube for more insights into creating systemic change.

Why is burnout so prevalent in the nonprofit sector? How can funders better support the people who deliver?

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Rusty Stahl, founder of Fund the People. Rusty shares his journey into philanthropy, the systemic issues leading to chronic underinvestment in nonprofit staff, and the innovative solutions Fund the People advocates for. You’ll learn about the harmful myths surrounding nonprofit overhead, the importance of treating nonprofit staff as essential assets, and practical steps to foster a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit sector.

If you're passionate about creating a supportive and effective nonprofit environment, this episode is a must-listen.

Today’s Guest

Rusty Stahl is the founder of Fund the People, an organization dedicated to maximizing investment in the nonprofit workforce. With a background in social justice and philanthropy, Rusty has been a leading voice in advocating for better support and compensation for nonprofit staff.

Website: fundthepeople.org
Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter

You’ll Learn

• The historical and systemic issues leading to underinvestment in nonprofit staff
• Why burnout is a symptom of deeper organizational problems
• The concept of "talent investing" and how it can transform the nonprofit sector
• Practical steps funders and nonprofits can take to better support their workforce
• The importance of aligning funding practices with organizational needs and values

Resources Mentioned

• Fund the People Website: fundthepeople.org
• Fund the People – A Podcast with Rusty Stahl: subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit the show webpage to stream episodes, get transcripts, speaker bios, and links to resources
• State of Nonprofits 2024: view the report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy
• How Foundations are Supporting Grantee Staff Well-Being: view the research snapshot by Center for Effective Philanthropy
• Blog Post (in response to Center for Effective Philanthropy research): To Ensure Nonprofit Wellbeing, Invest in Wages, Workload, and Working Conditions
• The Guru on Burnout Podcast Episode: Interview with Dr. Christina Maslach HERE
  
  

Quotes

• “Burnout is the visible symptom of an invisible problem: the chronic deficit of investment in our workforce.” – Rusty Stahl
• “Nonprofits are not social change machines; they are composed of people, and funding must reflect that.” – Rusty Stahl

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more insightful conversations.
• Visit fundthepeople.org to explore resources and learn how to support nonprofit staff effectively.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities and challenges of humanitarian work? Are you looking for signs of hope that, together, we can transform the sector?

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Pauline Chetcuti, the newly elected president of VOICE. Pauline shares her journey from international law to humanitarian advocacy, discussing the importance of saying no, the power of collective action, and the challenges of decolonizing and transforming humanitarian work.

Today’s guest

Pauline Chetcuti is the newly elected president of VOICE, the largest European humanitarian NGO network. With a background in international law and extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, Pauline is committed to advocating for effective, principled humanitarian aid and elevating local voices in global conversations.

Website: voiceeu.org
Social Media: Twitter, LinkedIn

You’ll learn

• What embodying change means in the context of humanitarian work
• The importance of setting boundaries and saying no
• How local voices can drive systemic change in the humanitarian sector
• The challenges of decolonizing and transforming humanitarian practices
• The role of VOICE in advocating for effective humanitarian aid

Resources mentioned

• VOICE Website: voiceeu.org
• Pledge for Change: pledgeforchange.org
• Charter for Change: charter4change.org
• Humanitarian and Climate Charter: ifrc.org/climate-charter
  
  

Quotes

• “Embodying change is positively, proactively embracing change with openness and a willingness to be challenged and to learn every day.” – Pauline Chetcuti
• “Our local colleagues are the biggest motivation for change because, for them, it's their communities that transform.” – Pauline Chetcuti

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.
• Visit voiceeu.org to learn more about the VOICE network and how you can get involved.
• Connect with Pauline on Twitter and LinkedIn for more insights and updates.

Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can better support well-being?

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Gemma Houldey, author of The Vulnerable Humanitarian. Gemma shares her journey from human rights advocacy to becoming a thought leader regarding humanitarian well-being. You’ll hear about the importance of showing up with vulnerability, understanding power dynamics, and how feminist funders are pioneering new approaches to support long-term organizational well-being.

If you're passionate about creating a more supportive and sustainable humanitarian sector, this episode is a must-listen.

Today’s Guest

Gemma Houldey is a researcher, facilitator and space-holder for more caring and inclusive working cultures in the aid sector. Her book “The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector,” draws on her own story and the accounts of over a hundred national and international aid workers she interviewed. The book explores the systemic causes of burnout in aid work, and provides guideposts for managers and staff to cultivate and embody collective resilience and care in the workplace. Her most recent research investigates the role of grantmakers in funding more sustainable, resilient human rights movements. Gemma works with individuals and organisations to support them to ‘walk the talk’ on principles of anti-oppression, by integrating decolonial approaches to wellbeing into everyday work routines and practices that deepen a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 

Website: gemmahouldey.com
Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram

You’ll Learn

• What embodying change means in the context of vulnerability and power dynamics
• How personal and organizational well-being are interconnected
• The impact of funding practices on the well-being of humanitarian workers
• The role of feminist funders in promoting sustainable well-being initiatives
• Practical steps for creating supportive work environments

Resources Mentioned

• Gemma Houldey’s Website: gemmahouldey.com
• The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Available on Routledge and other bookselling websites
• Newsletter Sign-Up: Available on Gemma’s website for updates and resources, including a free chapter of her book and 25% discount code to buy it.

Quotes

• “Embodying change means showing up with vulnerability and leaning into difficult conversations.” – Gemma Houldey
• “We need to decolonize well-being and allow partners to define what it means for them.” – Gemma Houldey

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.
• Visit gemmahouldey.com to learn more about Gemma’s work and sign up for her newsletter.
• Join Gemma’s upcoming book circle to embody change through shared learning and practice on wellbeing and resilience in a supportive community.

Episode 42: We Are Feminist Leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook

Do you ever feel conflicted by traditional leadership models that don’t align with your values? Are you curious about how feminist principles can transform the way we approach leadership, especially in the humanitarian sector?

In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti sits down with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook, founders of We Are Feminist Leaders. Leila and Natalie share their journey from feeling disillusioned by patriarchal and colonial leadership structures to creating a transformative program that empowers leaders to bring about genuine change. You’ll hear about the practical applications of feminist leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of community and continuous learning.

If you're passionate about making a difference and leading with your values, this episode will inspire you and provide actionable insights into embodying change in your own life and work.

Today’s Guests

Leila Billing and Natalie Brook

Leila Billing and Natalie Brook are the visionary founders of We Are Feminist Leaders, an organization dedicated to fostering feminist leadership in humanitarian and development sectors. Through their 12-week online program and new membership learning network, they empower leaders to challenge traditional power structures, embrace intersectionality, and cultivate caring, inclusive work environments. Leila and Natalie draw inspiration from feminist movements around the world, particularly from the Global Majority, and aim to decentralize Western-centric leadership models. You can check out their bios here.

Website: wearefeministleaders.com

Social Media: Instagram and LinkedIn

You’ll learn:

• What it means to embody change in the humanitarian sector
• The importance of self-awareness and transformation in feminist leadership
• How patriarchal and colonial dynamics affect traditional leadership models
• Practical applications of feminist leadership in various contexts
• The power of community and continuous learning in driving change
• Real-life examples of participants applying feminist leadership principles

Resources Mentioned

• We Are Feminist Leaders Website: wearefeministleaders.com
• Course information and registration: HERE 
• Newsletter Sign-Up: Available on their website for regular updates and resources HERE 
• Social Media: Follow We Are Feminist Leaders on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Quotes

• “For me, embodying change means thinking through how we want to show up in this moment, whether we’re humanitarians or not.” – Leila Billing
• “Feminist leadership starts with the self and requires a long-term commitment to developing self-awareness and the willingness to learn and unlearn.” – Natalie Brook

Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Embodying Change podcast for more inspiring conversations.
• Visit wearefeministleaders.com to learn more about Leila and Natalie’s work and to sign up for their upcoming 12-week course starting in September and newsletter.

This conversation with Sarah Diedro Jordão provides a deep and heartfelt exploration of what it means to embody change and foster love in the quest for a more equitable society.

“Going through a painful process can very much be part of embodying change. If it's itchy, uncomfortable, messy, and hurts, change is probably on the other side of that. So there’s hope."

 -Sarah Diedro Jordão

Sarah Diedro Jordão is a multi-passionate & versatile consultant. She works as a communications strategist, DEIB consultant, facilitator and podcast host. The driving interests foundational to her work are intersectional social justice, Black feminism, as well as collective dreaming. Among other things she served as an Intersectionality expert for the North-South Center of the Council of Europe, a moderator for the World Forum for Democracy and a podcast host for the European Greens. 

Sarah has also been facilitating a drop-in space for BIPOC professionals in the international NGO and aid sector for the last 2 years through Healing Solidarity.  Anyone interested in joining can email her at [email protected].

Learn more about Sarah Diedro Jordão on 

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahdiedro and
• Her website: https://sarahdiedrojordao.com/  

Check out bell hooks’ book, "all about love: new visions," for further reading on the role of love in social justice.

Thank you to Ziada Abeid for editing the show! 

If you’re a humanitarian woman working internationally and you’d like to meet other women like you, request to join the free Humanitarian Women’s Collaborative on Mighty Networks here: https://the-humanitarian-women-s-collaborative.mn.co/admin/landing-page. 

Humanitarian women are exposed to chronic stress, which can impact their experience of peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.

In this episode of Embodying Change Scotti McLaren shares her experience and insight as it relates to this under-explored and yet powerful time of a woman’s life – before, during and after actual “M day.”

What are the symptoms and what can we do about them?

Scotti practices functional medicine and personalized nutrition, specializing in menopause and mental health. Following a career in audit and humanitarian aid (MSF), and eventual burnout, her process of recovery led to a profound shift towards the healing power of nutrition. Now, Scotti champions a gentle revolution in resilience and vitality, for herself and others. Her clinical practice is dedicated to investigating, identifying and addressing the root drivers of health – both illness and wellness - to help women reach their best health in midlife and beyond.

Check out Scotti’s website here: https://www.investigative-health.ch/

Thank you to Ziada Abeid for editing the show! 

If you’re a humanitarian woman working internationally and you’d like to meet other women like you, request to join the free Humanitarian Women’s Collaborative on Mighty Networks here: https://the-humanitarian-women-s-collaborative.mn.co/admin/landing-page. 

In this light-hearted episode of "Embodying Change," we sit down with Lucette Quarteron, a dynamic global citizen and visionary leader. Lucette shares her unique insights on self-leadership, the proper use of power, and conflict management, drawing from her rich personal and professional journey. Discover how Lucette transforms organizational cultures, fosters workplace trust, and empowers others to embrace change.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of self-leadership and healing personal wounds to lead others effectively.
• Strategies for managing emotions in conflict situations.
• The significance of standing up for your values and setting boundaries.
• How to build trust and acknowledge the contributions of others in a professional setting.

Compelling Quotes:

1. "You need to heal your wounds. If you don't heal your personal wounds, you're going to create wounds in others. Self-leadership is being aware of yourself so that it impacts others positively."
2. "When the emotion is overwhelming, the brain cannot function. You can just acknowledge that the person is furious and suggest discussing it later. It’s about managing emotions first so that you can think clearly."
3. "Stand up for your beliefs and values, whatever the consequences. If you don't respect yourself, nobody will. It’s like not respecting yourself if you don’t put boundaries."

Resources Mentioned:

• Conflict Management Workshop - Join Lucette on June 25th at the beautiful Chateau D'Ouchy in Lausanne.
• Gary Chapman and Paul White's Book on Workplace Appreciation - Learn about the five languages of appreciation in the workplace.
• The Leading Well report - Learn about the 10 practices sited by aid leaders to Lead Well

Connect with Lucette Quartiron:

• Lucette Quarteron's website: Explore Lucette’s work and contact her for coaching sessions or workshops
• LinkedIn: Lucette Quarteron's profile
• YouTube: Lucette Quartiron on Conflict Management (in French)

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "Embodying Change" on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you inspiring content.

Join Us Next Time: Stay tuned for more insightful conversations that help you embody change in your own life and work. Thank you for listening!

Join us in this conversation with Helen Dunnett, Melissa’s accountability buddy. In today's episode, Helen shares her personal journey of transformation and discusses the powerful tools of nonviolent communication and assertiveness that have shaped her approach to coaching. She also shares the story of how she approached Melissa years ago to become her accountability buddy, and the five questions she designed to guide their weekly conversations. 

What You'll Learn:

• The story of Helen's career transition from communications and marketing to coaching.
• Insights into nonviolent communication and how it can transform workplace and personal relationships.
• Practical tips for becoming more assertive without infringing on others' rights.
• The impact of coaching on personal empowerment and stress reduction.

Featured in This Episode:

Helen Dunnett, an ICF accredited coach, works with organizations to develop their teams. She brings together her experience of teamwork and team leadership with her coaching tools to create highly practical training modules that enable participants to walk out of each session armed with insights and skills that should create a step-change in performance. She has worked for over 25 years in the UK and Belgium with a diverse range of team structures such as freelance teams, volunteers, start-ups and small organizations, federations, multinationals and consulting agencies.

For Our Listeners:
Check out Helen's website for a copy of the Accountability Buddy Starter Kit here:
https://www.helendunnett.com/home/accountability-buddy

Many thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the podcast and Michelle Sandler for help designing the Kit!